Friday, March 16, 2018

Joy Behar says: "He just picks people from TV! Everyone at this table is qualified at the Trump administration!"

"It comes from the top," Sunny Hostin says. "[Trump] didn't have experience for this particular position, and so he doesn't think anyone has to have experience or training or education for the role they're playing."

“I can say thank you for that,” Whoopi Goldberg says of Kudlow's economic experience. “Now we can at least argue about economics with someone who can actually explain what they're doing, or you can question them and they won't look at you like they don’t know.”

"Well, that's never going to happen to you because they don't marry folks like you," Goldberg remembers people telling her as a child. She shares why she's "really happy" about the upcoming nuptials of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: "The little kid in me says, 'You know what, even you could be a princess!'"

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

ABC NEWS -- Last night “The Fast and the Furious” star Michelle Rodriguez brought ABC’s “Nightline” along a trip for a trip to the ancient ruins of Mexico where she took part in a five-day intensive spiritual boot camp. She also opened up about working on her “ancient primal anger” which stemmed from her being a woman and growing up "in the ghetto."

Off the movie screen and away from the paparazzi, there are a few things you might not know about actress Michelle Rodriguez.

For example, Rodriguez, known for her roles in "The Fast and the Furious" movie franchise, never finished high school, but is quite a bookworm.

"I have books everywhere, all kinds of books, from all kinds of subjects on anthropology, you know, mysticism, occultism, you know, science, politics, you name it. Psychology, big on that," she told ABC News' "Nightline" at her Los Angeles home. "That's how I learn, because I never had a formal education. So, you know, I know how to extract the things that will be valid if I'm ever trying to talk about this in the future."

Rodriguez is also self-taught and in the midst of a spiritual journey that has spanned decades, taking her to Mongolia, Gabon and Peru, among other countries.

"A lot of my friends in the party scene or social scene are thinking I'm crazy," she said. "Everybody's poking me. They're like, 'Michelle, when are you coming back?' My agent, you know, my friends are like, 'Michelle, you know, you haven't partied for two years. We're worried about you. You're just locked up in your house.'"

"I'm trying to figure out who I am and why I'm here," she said.

Her journey most recently took her to Mexico.

"I can't run away from who I am. I can't wear masks anymore. This side of me that you're probably about to see will be new, for a lot of people. Because, just, nobody's ever been interested. So I've never shown it to anybody," she said, laughing.

"Nightline" recently traveled with Rodriguez to the ancient ruins of Mexico where she took part in a five-day intensive spiritual boot camp, working one-on-one with renowned spiritual teacher Sergio Magana, whose book "The Toltec Secret" has caught on around the world.

Magana, an expert on the indigenous Toltec tradition who claims to have taught more than 100,000 students, specializes in lucid dreaming.

"[Lucid dreaming] is when you're conscious of sleeping in your dream and you are awake. You're in control," Rodriguez said.

With lucid dreaming, the belief is that if you are aware that you are dreaming, you can influence your dream. That will plant an idea or even redirect your subconsciousness and bring about real change to your waking life.

Rodriguez said her goals for the boot camp were to find techniques to tap into the subconscious and to be able to identify patterns that were disruptive in her life.

"I think whenever you learn something new, you've got to really push it. 'Cause otherwise it's just a phase, a fad. I don't want it to be a fad. I want it to be something that I can incorporate into my every day," she said.

During the boot-camp experience, Rodriguez said she tried hard not to get lost in drawing connections to her previous research and explained why this journey was so important to her.

"I want to be able to see the beauty in everything. I can't do that by partying around the world and living extreme and having sex with hot people, or, like, you know, hanging out with powerful people," she said. "I'm putting all of my value outside of myself by doing that and I want my value to be inside."

Some of the work with Magana delved into her personal demons, she said.

"I had some ancient primal anger. I've been working on that anger for years," she said. "I was able to leave a lot of [that] there. I felt it like coming out of my chest, my brain, everything. ... I feel a lot lighter."

When asked what made her most angry, Rodriguez said it stemmed from her being a woman and growing up "in the ghetto."

"I had to pretend to be a guy just to have freedom to do what I want without having to marry someone, you know, or be somebody's girlfriend," she said. "I was like, 'That’s pathetic, dude, you know, that I have to pick up a gun or hang out, you know, with all these violent people in order to be free.' And, that's kind of what I felt most of my life. And, I realized it was obviously all in my mind."

A month after the boot camp, Rodriguez, who returned home to Los Angeles, said she was happy with the work she'd accomplished.

"It was amazing. I got to learn all these great tools that I get to use for the rest of my life. I was blown away just by the history of the place," she said of her trip to Mexico. "As far as letting anger in, there's a door there now and that door cannot be opened very easily -- as easily as it was opened before."

Magana said he too saw improvements, and their work and friendship continues.

"She told me that she feels a lot lighter, that she's more clear about the path to take, that she has decided to go back to work after the [sabbatical] and that she's deciding to also do her own projects," Magana told "Nightline." "It's a huge change."

Saturday, January 06, 2018

ABC NEWS -- In an exclusive essay for ABC News, Karen Wilder opens up about her 35-year marriage to the late actor and activist Gene Wilder. The “Young Frankenstein” star died last year at the age of 83, after battling Alzheimer's disease in the final years of his life. Wilder discusses some of the trials and tribulations caregivers or spouses can experience when caring for someone living with the debilitating disease.

Gene Wilder's widow on what it's like to care for someone with Alzheimer's

I never pictured myself marrying a movie star. I also never saw myself spending years of my life taking care of one. But I’ve done both. Love was the reason for the first. Alzheimer’s disease, the second.

I met Gene Wilder in 1989. He was preparing to shoot a movie called “See No Evil, Hear No Evil,” in which the character he played was deaf. Though I grew up in very small town in Idaho, where it was a big deal if you had indoor plumbing, I had been working in New York City for over twenty years by that point as a speech pathologist with the hearing impaired. As he always did when he took on a role, Gene wanted to understand his character. He showed up at my office one day in search of my professional advice.

We formed a powerful bond. At the time, Gene was married to Gilda Radner, who was in the final stages of ovarian cancer. After Gilda’s death, Gene sought me out again. We married a year later and, for more than twenty years, we were one of the happiest couples I knew. We traveled to France and played tennis together (three sets in a single afternoon). When I signed up for tap dancing lessons, Gene joined me. We set up side-by-side easels in the garden painting watercolors. At night, we danced together on a floor we’d built, under the stars -- The Waltz, Salsa, Cha Cha and Tango.

The first signs of trouble were small. Always the kindest, most tender man (if a fly landed on him, he waited for the fly to leave), suddenly I saw Gene lashing out at our grandson. His perception of objects and their distance from him became so faulty that on a bike ride together, he thought we were going to crash into some trees many feet away from us. Once, at a party with friends, when the subject of “Young Frankenstein” came up, he couldn’t think of the name of the movie and had to act it out instead.

When we finally got him tested and the diagnosis came back, it was Alzheimer’s. Unlike other diagnoses, even some cancers, this one offers not even a shred of hope for survival. The synapses of his brain were getting tangled and the result would be a steady and terrible progression of losses -- memory of course, but also motor control, to the point where eventually his body would simply forget how to swallow or breathe.

My husband took the news with grief, of course, but also astonishing grace. I watched his disintegration each moment of each day for six years. One day, I saw him struggle with the ties on his drawstring pants. That night, I took the drawstrings out. Then his wrist was bleeding from the failed effort of trying to take off his watch. I put his watch away.

I was determined to keep Gene with me –- in California and, finally, at the home we’d made together in Connecticut. We still managed to have some good times and to laugh, even at the ravages of the disease that was killing him.

One day, when he fell on the patio and couldn’t get up, I maneuvered him over to the edge of our pool and floated him to the other side, where there were steps and a railing to assist him. Another time, after struggling for twenty minutes trying to pull himself up, he looked out as if he was addressing the audience at the Belasco Theater, a place he knew well, and said in his best Gene Wilder voice, "Just a minute folks. I’ll be right back."

But there’s another particularly cruel aspect to the disease of Alzheimer’s, because in addition to destroying – piece by piece – the one who’s stricken with it, it ravages the life of the person caring for its victims. In our case, I was that person.

I am grateful that I knew to reach out for help from the Alzheimer’s Association. When I did, I learned some alarming statistics from them. One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. That means, if a mature couple invites two couples over for dinner, one of the couples could face Alzheimer’s.

Then came the biggest shocker: 40 percent of Alzheimer's caregivers die before the patient according to a study done by Stanford Medicine -- not from disease, but from the sheer physical, spiritual and emotional toll of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s.

Gene died fifteen months ago. I was in the bed next to him when he took his last breaths. By that point, it had been days since he’d spoken. But on that last night, he looked me straight in the eye and said, three times over, "I trust you."

Pure Imagination Project

So, I have a responsibility, I think. Neither my love, nor science, could save my husband’s life. But it’s my most profound hope that through research and awareness, others may be spared the experience that killed Gene -- and could have killed me, too. of Earlier this month, The Gates Foundation announced the largest gift ever presented to the cause of Alzheimer’s research: a commitment of $100 million aimed at eradicating the disease within our lifetime. I am profoundly grateful that this crisis, viewed for too long as insoluble, is receiving funding for the dedicated scientific community, with the goal of early diagnosis and ultimately a cure. It was in this vein that I allowed the use of my husband’s character of Willy Wonka to be used in the “Pure Imagination Project,” a new video campaign to bring greater awareness about Alzheimer’s and encourage each of us to do our part.

But let’s not forget that other killer -- the silent one that takes its victim even before the disintegration of brain cells does its own dirty work. I am speaking of the crisis that can kill the once-healthy loved spouses, siblings, friends and adult children of Alzheimer’s patients, who devote almost every waking hour of their lives (and also the nights) to caring for a person they love, but who may no longer recognize them.

I am grateful that Gene never forgot who I was. But many caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients are less fortunate.

Every year, Alzheimer’s disease costs our nation an estimated $259 billion, according to the Alzheimer's Association. At this hopeful moment, when there is more momentum than ever towards finding a cure and treatments, let’s also remember the desperate need of caregivers.

It is a strange, sad irony that so often, in the territory of a disease that robs an individual of memory, caregivers are often the forgotten. Without them, those with Alzheimer’s could not get through the day, or die -- as my husband did -- with dignity, surrounded by love.

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

James Goldston and Elizabeth Vargas have confirmed that Elizabeth will be leaving ABC News at the end of 20/20’s 40th season. Below are the notes sent to staff.

Team-

I am writing to share some news about Elizabeth Vargas, who's been an integral part of ABC News for two decades and anchor at 20/20 for 14 years.

She has decided to leave ABC News at the end of the newsmagazine's 40th season in May to pursue new ventures.

One of the best broadcasters in our business, Elizabeth holds an historic place at ABC. She is only the second woman ever to serve as co-anchor of 20/20. She moved into that role - a daunting assignment to follow in the footsteps of our legendary Barbara Walters - with true determination to tell the stories from around the globe that explore important issues in depth and tap into significant moments in our culture.

She brought awareness to the crisis in Iraq covering Christian refugees escaping ISIS, reported on orphans in Cambodia who were given up for adoption without their parents’ knowledge, on gendercide in India, and was at the forefront of the Amanda Knox case from its earliest days.

Most recently Elizabeth spent three years documenting an inspirational family adjusting to life with a son’s rare facial condition. Her beautiful hour, “Wonder Boy,” delivered 20/20's highest ratings this season.

We've counted on her countless times for breaking news. Just in the last few years, she's anchored live specials on the 2017 inauguration and Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, reports on the passing of George Michael, Carrie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds, Prince and Muhammad Ali, as well as, network coverage of the deadly Orlando nightclub massacre, the ambush on police officers in Dallas and the Paris terrorist attacks in 2015. She has been in the anchor chair for ABC for some of the biggest breaking news events in the past two decades, including the attacks on 9/11 and the death of President Ronald Reagan.

From co-anchor of World News Tonight to news anchor for GMA, Elizabeth has served in many key roles here and won nearly every award in broadcasting along the way.

But we were most proud of her courage and grace in telling her own story about her struggle with anxiety and alcoholism. Her best-selling memoir has helped so many people by raising awareness about the importance of finding treatment for millions who are still struggling. She continues to be an inspiration for us all.

As we get closer to Elizabeth's final date on the air, we will celebrate her many outstanding accomplishments with a proper send-off. In the meantime, she and her team are hard at work on several specials and investigations for the new year.

We are incredibly lucky to have had Elizabeth at ABC for so long, and we wish her the best on the next chapter in her professional life.

Please join me in thanking Elizabeth for all that she has contributed to ABC News.

James

To my 20/20 family,

I want you to hear some news about me, from me. I will be leaving ABC News, and 20/20 at the end of this historic 40th season. It has been a profound privilege to be the anchor of 20/20 for 14 years, and a true honor to work with each and every one of you. I am incredibly lucky to work alongside the very best in the business: the producers, editors, writers on this show, and the enormous team working every week to get our show on the air. I am so very proud of the stories we have told together.

I am sorry only to have to share this news with you as we celebrate the holidays. I had hoped to make this announcement after the first of the year.

This is not goodbye – I will be here through May, and cannot wait to do more work with all you in the months ahead.

Have a happy holiday with your families, and I will see you next year.

PBS suspended the distribution of his eponymous talk show earlier this month after an investigation, noting "multiple, credible allegations," the network confirmed to ABC News in a statement.

During a live sit-down interview, Smiley, 53, reiterated that "I've never groped, I've never coerced" women into sexual relations on his staff "in 30 years over six different networks."

He added, "I celebrate and applaud these women who had the courage to come out," but he's concerned that because of the recent climate, "people end up being guilty simply by accusations."

A PBS spokesperson added, "PBS engaged an outside law firm to conduct an investigation immediately after learning of troubling allegations regarding Mr. Smiley. This investigation included interviews with witnesses as well as with Mr. Smiley. The inquiry uncovered multiple, credible allegations of conduct that is inconsistent with the values and standards of PBS, and the totality of this information led to today's decision."

Smiley previously denied the allegations and criticized the investigation in a video posted to Facebook.

"If having a consensual relationship with a colleague years ago is the stuff that leads to this kind of public humiliation and personal destruction, heaven help us," he said. "This has gone too far. And I, for one, intend to fight back."

"To be clear, I have never groped, coerced, or exposed myself inappropriately to any workplace colleague in my entire broadcast career, covering 6 networks over 30 years. Never. Ever. Never," he said.

"The PBS investigators refused to review any of my personal documentation, refused to provide me the names of any accusers, refused to speak to my current staff, and refused to provide me any semblance of due process to defend myself against allegations from unknown sources," Smiley added. "Their mind was made up."

But in a separate statement, PBS defended their investigation.

A sponsor for his talk show, Walmart, paused their relationship with him in light of the investigation.

"We take these issues very seriously and are troubled by the recent allegations," the company said in a statement obtained by ABC News. "As a result, we are suspending our relationship with Mr. Smiley, pending the outcome of the PBS investigation."

Walmart was also backing Smiley's upcoming tour, titled "Death of a King: A Live Theatrical Experience," based on his 2014 book of the same name. The show, centered on the life of Martin Luther King Jr., was expected to reach 40 cities nationwide until it was cancelled by its production company, according to a statement obtained by ABC News.

A statement from Mills Entertainment read, "In light of the recent allegations concerning Tavis Smiley, Mills Entertainment will not be moving forward with the 'Death of a King' project at this time. We believe deeply in the message of this production and the importance of commemorating Dr. King in this crucial moment; however, we take seriously the allegations and will be suspending our relationship with Tavis Smiley and T.S. Productions."

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

ABC PRESENTS A TWO-NIGHT SPECIAL EVENT TO CELEBRATE THE ICONS WHO PASSED AWAY AND COMMEMORATE THE MOST NEWSWORTHY AND MEMORABLE MOMENTS OF 2017

****

Dolly Parton

As another historic year comes to a close the ABC Television Network presents an epic two-night event filled with nostalgia, laughter, celebration and remembrance beginning with “The Year in Memoriam 2017” Monday, December 18th (10:00-11:00pm ET) followed by “The Year: 2017” on Tuesday, December 19th (9:00-11:00pm ET).

Robin Roberts

Jimmy Kimmel

Hosted by “Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts and conceived by ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, “The Year in Memoriam 2017” celebrates the legendary stars and icons the world lost this year and the legacies they left behind. Roberts and Kimmel join forces for a unique tribute and learn more about these beloved stars through stories shared by those closest to them, including Valerie Harper, Ed Asner, Bernadette Peters and Dick Van Dyke remembering co-star Mary Tyler Moore; Tracy Morgan, Bob Newhart, John Stamos and Bob Saget remembering fellow comedian Don Rickles; Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley and Darius Rucker honoring the legendary Glen Campbell; Hunter Hayes and Alice Cooper celebrating music stars Tom Petty and Chuck Berry as well as Dane Cook, Jeff Ross and Sean Hayes memorializing the multi-talented Jerry Lewis.

“The In Memoriam segments are always the most moving parts of a major awards show. Robin and I thought it would be fitting to pay longer-form and more personal tribute to these American icons with great stories from their friends, colleagues and peers,” Jimmy Kimmel, host of Jimmy Kimmel Live!

2017 was filled with extraordinary moments, profound movements, surprising trends and plenty of politics. After covering the biggest news stories of the year, Robin Roberts and an all-star team of ABC News anchors and correspondents take a look back at the historic and most memorable moments in the two-hour special “The Year: 2017.” Robin, along with George Stephanopoulos, David Muir, Michael Strahan, Lara Spencer, Amy Robach, Martha Raddatz, Juju Chang, Dan Harris, Byron Pitts, Paula Faris, Jonathan Karl and Tom Llamas give viewers a wide-ranging review of the year in politics, top trends, pop culture and more.

Bernadette Peters

Alice Cooper

From President Trump’s first year in office to the #MeToo movement triggered by widespread sex abuse allegations in Hollywood to breakout stars and the viral videos that captured our attention, “The Year: 2017” is jam-packed with unforgettable highs and lows and features new interviews with some of the year’s most popular personalities and buzz-worthy breakout stars, including comedian Tiffany Haddish, Jeopardy contestant winner Austin Rogers, YouTube sensation Logan Paul and tennis star Sloane Stephens. Additionally, a panel of insightful and entertaining contributors join Robin and team as they examine the high and lows of 2017 including “The View” co-host Meghan McCain, ABC’s “Shark Tank” guest “shark” Rohan Oza, comedian Michelle Buteau, ESPN host Katie Nolan, Entertainment Tonight host Kevin Frazier, CEO of TheBlaze Glenn Beck and ABC Contributor Alex Rodriguez.

“What I appreciate about the special is that you get an entire year of news and pop culture in just two hours. The show is appropriately serious when it needs to be and it's also filled with many fun, lighter moments," Robin Roberts, co-anchor, “Good Morning America.”

Jimmy Kimmel, Robin Roberts, and John R. Green are the Executive Producers of “The Year In Memoriam 2017” with Co-Executive Producer Seth Weidner and Senior Producers Michaela Dowd and Evelyn Seijido. It is a co-production of Lincoln Square Productions, Rock'n Robin Productions and Smoking Baby Productions.

John R. Green and John Palacio are the Executive Producers of “The Year: 2017.”

The inspiration for Home Alone came from John Hughes preparing for a vacation and thinking about all the things he didn’t want to forget – including his kid, and Jack Nicholson was almost chosen for the role of the father in A Christmas Story. These are only a few of the lesser known facts about holiday favorites that marked the Christmas season for years. To kick-off the holiday season, “20/20” presents a Christmas special featuring actor Peter Billingsley, best known as the character Ralphie in the seasonal hit movie A Christmas Story.

This special takes viewers behind the scenes of holiday favorites, brings together the stars, and dissects the most memorable moments from the films. The special will feature interviews with Tim Allen and Eric Lloyd from The Santa Clause; Beverly D’Angelo and Chevy Chase from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation; Mel Gibson from Daddy’s Home 2; and Brian Grazer, the producer of the live-action How the Grinch Stole Christmas. ABC News’ Chris Connelly will also discuss the impact that these beloved films had on modern pop culture. “Lights, Camera, Christmas: Inside Holiday Movie Classics” airs on a special edition of “20/20” Wednesday, November 22 (10:00 – 11:00 p.m. ET) on ABC.

The special will include insider details on classic holiday films including a casting decision, Jim Carrey’s torture surviving technique training during How the Grinch Stole Christmas; and a visit to a Vancouver psychiatric hospital, the stand-in for Gimbal’s toy department in Elf. The hour will consider the question of whether favorites such as Trading Places and Die Hard qualify as Christmas movies; and talk to a spokesperson from Rotten Tomatoes to discuss what it takes to qualify as a Christmas classic. The history of small-screen favorites such as “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer” will be featured, as well as, interviews with the voice-over artists behind these favorite animated characters, and the owner of the fully restored Santa and Rudolph puppets.

Wednesday, November 01, 2017

Fashion designer Donna Karan said the comments she made in the immediate aftermath of the Harvey Weinstein sexual harassment scandal that suggested women were "asking for it" by how they dressed were a "huge mistake."

"I want to say how sorry I am," Karan said in an exclusive interview with ABC News' Robin Roberts. "What I said is so wrong and not who I am."

When asked what she meant by her comments at the time, Karan said simply that she "made a huge, huge mistake."

This month, dozens of women have spoken out against Weinstein, 65, accusing the Hollywood producer of sexual misconduct, and in some cases even assault and rape.

Weinstein's spokesman has previously said in a statement "any allegations of non-consensual sex are unequivocally denied" by the former head of the Weinstein Company.

At an event shortly after the news first broke, Karan responded to the headlines by telling a reporter, on camera, that women may be asking for "trouble" by how they dressed.

"How do we display ourselves, how do we present ourselves as women, what are we asking? Are we asking for it, you know, by presenting all the sensuality and all the sexuality?" she said.

She continued: "It's not Harvey Weinstein. You look at everything all over the world today, you know, and how women are dressing and, you know, what they're asking by just presenting themselves the way they do. What are they asking for? Trouble."

Her comments soon drew a firestorm of backlash online.

Actress Rose McGowan, who has accused Weinstein of rape, slammed the fashion designer as "deplorable" in a tweet, saying that "aiding and abetting is a moral crime."

Karan told Roberts that she supports and cares about other women, and considers herself a champion of women's rights.

"I love women. I absolutely adore women," Karan added. "I care about them. I'm a mother, I'm a grandmother. You know, and I've never done this before, and I will never, ever do it again."

When asked if she thought women bear any responsibility for the allegations that they have made, Karan responded with "it is against women's rights."

"As a woman, for women, I want to bring out who that woman is. I mean, that's my passion. I still do this for over 40 years, as we know. I want women to feel like women, and have that right."

Karan said she was "exhausted" when she made her Weinstein comments that soon became embroiled in controversy.

"I had just ... come from a 14-hour plane trip," she said. "I walked into a situation that I wasn't prepared for in any circumstances whatsoever."

Karan added that she did not know the full extent of the accusations against the Hollywood producer when she initially commented on the news.

"I had been away for a month and a half," she said. "I heard a whisper, but there were whispers all over. ... It wasn't till a day and a half after that I truly heard about it. That's my honest truth. I didn't know."

In the aftermath of Karan's comments on Weinstein, some have responded on social media saying that they will no longer wear her fashion designs. Actress Mia Farrow said in a tweet that was liked more than 10,000 times, "No more Donna Karan for me."

In addition, the stock price of G-III, which owns Donna Karan's fashion company, dropped shortly after her remarks, according to The Associated Press.

Karan said that she is not apologizing simply to save her brand.

"It's not about my brand," she said. "I started Urban Zen because I did not want to just be a designer. It was about dressing and addressing the issues at hand, in healthcare, in education, in culture.

"I want to bring us all together as a team to face the world that we're faced with today," she added.

Monday, July 10, 2017

ABC News sat down exclusively with Blac Chyna who spoke out for the first time since her ex Rob Kardashian publicly harassed and cyberbullied her on social media. Chyna told ABC News she was "devastated" to see the explicit photos leaked by her ex.

Monday, April 17, 2017

The first teaser for "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" dropped and the thing that stuck out for fans was Luke Skywalker's quote at the end that the "Jedi must end."

In the first clip from the movie, which hits theaters in December, Daisy Ridley's Rey has tracked down Skywalker, played by Mark Hamill, and the thought at the end of 2015's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" is that he would train this young character in the ways of the force.

ABC News correspondent Paula Faris interviewed the cast of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” while at Star Wars Celebration in Orlando. Mark Hamill, who plays Luke Skywalker, says 'it's possible' Luke goes to the dark side in 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi'.

The clip looks to open that way, with Rey handling a lightsaber and listening to Luke's guidance, but there's that shocking quote at the end from Luke, one of the most iconic Jedi in history.

ABC News spoke to Hamill at the Star Wars Celebration in Orlando, Florida, and confirmed it is his voice at the end of the almost 2-minute clip.

"There's a difference between teaser and a trailer," he said. "A teaser is supposed to show you dynamic images that heighten your awareness and make you want to see the trailer, but avoid all story points if at all possible. [But] I think that's the only story point that’s in the teaser, which is Luke saying it's time for the Jedi to end."

The 65-year-old "Star Wars" legend added he was just as surprised as anyone that Luke, who has always clung to the Jedi ways and the Light Side, would say something like this.

"It was as shocking to me to read what Rian [Johnson, the director] had written as I'm sure it will be for the audience," he said.

As for if Luke would ever turn to the Dark Side, he said, "It's possible, anything's possible."

ABC News Digital will be on the ground in Orlando, bringing you all the big "Star Wars" developments, so check back for more.

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Academy Award-winner John Ridley’s LET IT FALL: LOS ANGELES 1982-1992 will be released in theaters April 21. The feature documentary takes a unique and in-depth look at the years and events leading up to the city-wide violence that began April 29, 1992, when the verdict was announced in the Rodney King case.

Produced in partnership with ABC News’ Lincoln Square Productions, a broadcast length version of the documentary will air on Friday, April 28 (9:00 – 11:00 p.m. EDT), on the ABC Television Network, pegged to the 25th anniversary of the Los Angeles uprising.

LET IT FALL delves beyond the conflicts between law enforcement and the black community to look at tensions across the city as a whole; it traces the roots of the civil unrest to a decade before the uprising. The documentary features exclusive interviews with eyewitnesses and people directly involved in the events from diverse neighborhoods across the city, including black, white, Hispanic, Korean, and Japanese Americans.

Ridley won an Oscar® for writing “12 Years a Slave” and is the creator, director, and executive producer of ABC’s Emmy-winning series “American Crime,” which is currently airing Season Three. His limited series “Guerilla,” with Idris Elba, Freida Pinto, and Babou Ceesay co-produced by Fifty Fathoms and ABC Signature for Showtime and Sky Atlantic will premiere April 16 on Showtime.

A team of veteran ABC News journalists join Ridley in the production of LET IT FALL, led by producer Jeanmarie Condon, who has been honored for her work on documentaries and in-depth coverage of current events with multiple DuPont, Peabody, Murrow, and Emmy Awards. This is the first theatrical production for Condon, as well as ABC News.

LET IT FALL is written and directed by John Ridley. Produced by Jeanmarie Condon and Ridley. Co-producer is Melia Patria and producer is Fatima Curry. Editing is by Colin Rich and cinematography by Sam Painter and Ben McCoy. Original score by Mark Isham.

ABOUT LINCOLN SQUARE PRODUCTIONS

ABC News’ Lincoln Square Productions produces original content for broadcast, cable and digital distribution specializing in compelling ways to tell fact-based stories, including ABC’s “What Would You Do?,” ABC’s “Madoff,” the OSCAR Red Carpet Opening Ceremony,” Investigation Discovery’s “Barbara Walters Presents,” as well as documentary programming for a wide array of partners, including PBS, Discovery Communications and A & E Networks. Lincoln Square Productions is wholly-owned by the American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. The headquarters are located in New York City’s Lincoln Square neighborhood. Morgan Hertzan is senior vice president of Lincoln Square Productions.

It was the original trial of the century that captivated the nation. On Thursday, January 5, ABC will air an unprecedented two-hour documentary special on the Beverly Hills crime that shook a generation. A Hollywood movie executive and his wife, a one-time beauty queen, were brutally slain in the den of their Spanish-style mansion. Even though the murders were initially and inaccurately blamed on a mafia hit, it turned out the all-American Menendez family was far from perfect. After suspicious, costly spending following the double homicide and a confession to a psychologist, Lyle and Erik Menendez, the heirs of the wealthy couple, were arrested and charged with the grisly murder of their parents. After more than 27 years, Lyle speaks from prison on what he thinks now in this television event.

The special uncovers the hidden clues of the Menendez family’s descent into hell including never-before-seen home movies and photos from the family vault and the testimony from members of the Menendez inner circle. The brothers’ best friends and neighbors, the lead detectives, lawyers and jurors on the case, and the family members profile the intimate details of the Menendez family, including Erik’s secret life. What drove these sons of privilege to give up their Ivy League educations and promising futures to kill their parents in cold blood? Was it greed and fear of being financially cut off from their lavish lifestyle or was the violence an act of revenge - payback for the years of unspeakable abuse at the hands of their parents?

Friday, December 30, 2016

Just one day after the death of actress Carrie Fisher, the world learned of the passing of her mother and Hollywood star Debbie Reynolds. “20/20” gives a wide-ranging look at not only their careers and legacies but also their loving, yet complex relationship. The one-hour special, anchored by Elizabeth Vargas, includes the highs and lows of Reynold’s memorable career, a spotlight on the next generation and Fisher’s life in Hollywood as well as heartfelt tributes from family and friends. “Debbie and Carrie: Heartbreak in Hollywood” airs tonight Friday, December 30 (10:00-11:00pm ET) on ABC.

“20/20” is anchored by Elizabeth Vargas and David Muir. David Sloan is senior executive producer.

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

ABC News Anchor Diane Sawyer has the first television interview with Jaycee Dugard five years after their first sit down following her miraculous rescue from captivity. Dugard will discuss adjusting to a new life and reintegrating into society, which she reveals in her new memoir “Freedom: My Book of Firsts.” The Diane Sawyer special edition of “20/20” will air Friday, July 8 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET) on ABC.

Sawyer interviewed Dugard in 2011 when she talked about her horrendous experience in captivity for the first time on the eve of the release of her first memoir “A Stolen Life.” Dugard was kidnapped when she was 11 years old, held in captivity by Phillip and Nancy Garrido for 18 years and gave birth to two daughters.

“Freedom: My Book of Firsts” will be released on Tuesday, July 12 by Simon and Schuster.

Newsmakers continue to turn first to Sawyer to share their stories including the groundbreaking and award-winning exclusive interview with Caitlyn Jenner in April 2015. In 2016, she interviewed New York Correction Commissioner Joseph Ponte about reforming Rikers Island jail; Kate del Castillo, the Mexican actress at the center of the Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzmán controversy; and Sue Klebold, mother of Columbine shooter Dylan Klebold.

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

NEW YORK - ABC News and People announced a new limited run summer series titled “People’s List” premiering Saturday, June 11 at 8 pm ET on ABC. The hour-long weekly program highlights the biggest stories in pop culture, entertainment, lifestyle, human interest and news features to bring viewers up to speed on what they may have missed. Plus, viewers will get an exclusive sneak peek at the top stories people will be talking about in the week ahead.

“People’s List” will be hosted by popular actor and father of two Jerry O’Connell and SuChin Pak, former MTV news correspondent. With the combined talent of ABC News and People, a team of all-star insiders will join O’Connell and Pak to bring a unique perspective to the biggest headlines of the week.

Each week, “People’s List” breaks down the five people you should be talking about – from your favorite celebrities to social media stars to everyday people making the world a better place. Additionally, the program will include People’s signature features including Scoop, PeopleStyle, PeoplePets, The Jess Cagle Interview (a video series hosted by the Editorial Director of People and Entertainment Weekly), and new segments including Home 360, a look behind the hedges and gates of America’s most fabulous celebrity homes, and Then and Now—an update of the iconic personalities from People Magazine’s iconic covers. Plus, the very latest in pop culture, style and trends.

"People takes us inside the most famous and fascinating lives in the world. From mega-stars to real people facing incredible circumstances, People has been a trusted friend for the biggest events in pop culture history,” said Morgan Hertzan, SVP ABC News, and Exec in Charge of ABC's Lincoln Square Productions.

“It’s one stop shopping for all things pop culture, celebrity and human interest. It’s what you’ll be talking about with your friends all weekend,” added Executive Producer Danielle Rossen.

“This series joins together two of the most trusted media brands in the world – ABC News and People. Partnering on this series gives us the opportunity to present the People brand to audiences in exciting new ways,” said Rich Battista, EVP, Time Inc. and President, Entertainment & Sports Group and Video. “We are thrilled to team up with ABC News to present stories that continue to entertain, inspire and empower our audience,” said Jess Cagle, Editorial Director for People and Entertainment Weekly.

“People’s List” premieres on SATURDAY, JUNE 11 (8:00-9:00 p.m. EST) on the ABC Television Network. The series is produced by ABC'S Lincoln Square Productions. Danielle Rossen is the executive producer and Marc Victor is co-executive producer for Lincoln Square Productions, and Rich Battista and Jess Cagle are executive producers for People.

Thursday, February 04, 2016

ABC NEWSannounces “Silence Broken: A Mother’s Reckoning,” a Diane Sawyer special edition of “20/20,” will air on Friday, February 12at 10 p.m., ET. After nearly 17 years, Sue Klebold, the mother of Columbine shooter Dylan Klebold, speaks on television for the first time ever about the tragedy, the victims, the relationship with her son and what it was like inside their home. The ABC News primetime special examines the impact of and lessons from the tragic day that changed America. Sawyer reports on teenage mental health, potential clues that could help a parent learn if their child is in crisis, and if it is possible to prevent the next school shooting.

Klebold discusses her experience in her memoir, “A Mother’s Reckoning: Living in the Aftermath of Tragedy,” which will be released on February 15, 2016, by Crown. Klebold is donating all of her profits from the book to research and to charitable foundations with a focus on mental health issues. More information about the book: http://www.amothersreckoning.com

Singer Avril Lavigne said she’s seeing progress in her treatment for Lyme disease, which struck her last year while she was on tour.

Her treatment regimen has included multiple antibiotics and ample rest.

“I'm about halfway through my treatment,” the Canadian singer said in an interview with ABC News’ Jesse Palmer. "I'm doing a lot better. Seeing a lot of progress. ... I'm just really grateful to know that, like, I will make [a] 100 percent recovery."

Lavigne, 30, said trying to get a diagnosis was the worst time of her life.

“I literally became bedridden last October,” the “Complicated” singer said, adding that she saw multiple specialists who failed to get to the root of the problem. “They would pull up their computer and be like, ‘Chronic fatigue syndrome.’ Or, ‘Why don't you try to get out of bed, Avril, and just go play the piano?’ It's like, ‘Are you depressed?’”

Lavigne said she would wake up with night sweats and felt as though she had the flu.

“This went on and off for a month,” she said. "And I saw my doctor right away, got blood tests, got swabbed, and they didn't really know what was wrong with me."

It wasn’t until two months into the symptoms that she said she suspected Lyme disease.

“I started going to other doctors and, like, specifically telling them and asking, like, ‘I have Lyme disease. I know I do. Can you check me?’” she said. "Then I finally figured out, 'Find a Lyme specialist.'"

"And the thing is, when you're a specialist, you also really know the disease inside and out and you can diagnose their symptoms," Lavigne said.

After getting the diagnosis of Lyme disease, which Lavigne believes she got from a tick bite last spring, the singer was bedridden for five months in her Ontario home.

Lavigne, who is married to Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger, said her family and fans have helped her through her ordeal.

Many fans, she said, made videos and sent her letters and posters and other items to show their support.

“I sat there in my bed and I watched the videos and, like, did exactly what I'm doing now. I cried through the whole thing,” she said, laughing. “Honestly, I felt very, very loved. And it sounds silly saying it, but I really truly did feel my fans through the process.”

Trump announced his presidential candidacy in a speech at Trump Tower in Manhattan Tuesday, sitting with ABC's George Stephanopoulos at his high-rise for his first interview as a candidate.

Trump floated Winfrey as a possible running mate in 1999, when he considered running for president as a member of the Reform Party, in an interview with Larry King.

"She's great, she's talented, she's a friend of mine," Trump told ABC's Stephanopoulos when asked if Winfrey is still on his VP shortlist.

"She's a good person. I've been on her show. In fact, I was on her show her last week, she said, 'Could I be on her show with the whole family?'" Trump said. "I like Oprah. I mean, is that supposed to be a bad thing? I don't think so."

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Bill Cosby is responding to questions about allegations of sexual assault for the first time in an exclusive interview with ABC News’ Linsey Davis.

The actor and comedian is in Alabama, where he is spreading his message of education, preparing to speak with students later today. Cosby, 77, admitted that he expects some backlash.

“I think that many of them may say, ‘Well, you are a hypocrite. You say one thing, you say another,’” he told Davis. “My point is, 'OK, listen to me carefully. I’m telling you where the road is out. I’m telling you where, as you drive, you are going to go into the water. Now, you want to go here or you want to be concerned about who is giving you the message?'”

More than 30 women have come forward in the past six months, some accusing Cosby of drugging or sexually assaulting them. His legal team has issued a number of denials. Cosby has never been criminally charged. Three of his accusers have filed a defamation lawsuit against him, which Cosby is trying to get dismissed.